GGJ Men's Lightweight Athletic Shorts with Zipper Pockets 7" Gym Workout Running Quick Dry Tennis Basketball Shorts for Men Grey M

Overview

I’ve been wearing the GGJ athletic shorts for the past few weeks across runs, gym sessions, errands, and a couple of hot summer travel days. I tested the Grey, size Medium with a 7-inch inseam. They’re lightweight, quick-drying, and cut with a split hem that makes them feel unrestrictive on the move. The standout feature is the pocket layout: two deep hand pockets plus two zippered side pockets that actually secure a phone, keys, or card holder without looking bulky. At a budget-friendly price, they aim to be that one pair you can throw on for almost anything.

Design and Materials

These are unlined, synthetic shorts with a light mechanical stretch and a matte finish. The fabric has a soft hand and a crisp drape that reads more “athletic casual” than “gym-only.” It’s breathable and fast-drying—on a hot, humid run the shorts didn’t cling, and they air-dried quickly post-wash. The split hem is subtle but functional, easing knee lift and lateral movement. Branding is minimal, and the Grey color I tested pairs easily with both performance tops and casual tees.

The waistband is a wide elastic band with an adjustable drawcord that can be worn inside or outside. Worn internally, it keeps the front clean, while external wear is handy when you want quicker micro-adjustments. The hardware is simple and the drawcord stays tied; I never had to double-knot.

Fit and Comfort

In Medium, the 7-inch inseam lands a couple of inches above my knee—right in the sweet spot for multipurpose use. The cut through the seat and thighs is relaxed without being baggy. I can squat to depth, step into lunges, and take stairs two at a time without any tugging at the hem. The split hem does what it should: you don’t feel it, but you notice you’re not fighting the fabric.

The waistband is comfortable rather than compressive. It holds the shorts in place on steady runs and day-to-day wear, but it’s not as tight as some performance waistbands I’ve used. That’s a plus for casual comfort; for hard intervals where you’re bouncing a lot with a phone in-pocket, you’ll want to snug the drawcord.

Breathability is a strong point. The fabric wicks sweat fast enough that I didn’t feel swampy during a 45-minute run, and it didn’t pick up that cold, clammy feel during cooldowns. There’s no built-in liner, which I actually prefer—these pair well with compression shorts or briefs, and it keeps the shorts more versatile for casual wear.

Pockets and Storage

Pocket design can make or break training shorts, and GGJ gets more right than wrong here. There are four pockets total:

• Two open hand pockets that are deep enough to rest your hands and stash a wallet or cards without items peeking out.
• Two zippered side pockets that sit slightly toward the hips, not dead-center on the thigh.

The zip pockets are the heroes. They’re deep and secure, easily fitting a large smartphone and car fob. During runs, the phone sits in a position that reduces flop compared to typical open pockets. It’s not bounce-free—you’ll still feel some movement on faster efforts—but for steady running or walking, it’s significantly more controlled. The zippers track smoothly and haven’t jammed. If I’m nitpicking, the zipper pull can brush your hand when you dip into the open pockets; softer or covered pulls would be nicer.

Performance in Use

• Running: The shorts move well, breathe well, and dry fast. For easy runs or mixed cardio, they’re great. For speed work, I’d either cinch the drawcord tighter or use a belt/armband if carrying a phone. The 7-inch length provides enough coverage without catching on the knee during turnover.
• Strength training: No restrictions in squats or hip hinges, and the split hem helps during lateral steps and lunges. The fabric doesn’t grab on a bench, and the waistband stays put when bracing.
• Court sports and tennis: Lateral movement feels unconstrained. The zip pockets are convenient for keeping a key or card on you between games; I wouldn’t play with a phone in-pocket, but they’re ideal for walking on/off court.
• Travel and casual: Because the fabric is light and the drape is clean, these don’t scream “gym” when paired with a tee or even a casual button-down. They pack tiny and shake out wrinkle-free.

The brand positions them broadly—running, hiking, gym, even swimming. They dry quickly enough to survive an impromptu dip, but there’s no liner or drainage eyelets. I’d keep them as land-first shorts that can tolerate getting wet, not my primary swim trunks.

Durability and Care

After repeated wears and washes, the color hasn’t faded and the fabric hasn’t pilled. Seams are tidy and flat; I looked closely around the split hem for early fraying and didn’t see any. The zippers still run smooth and the pulls haven’t loosened. I’ve machine washed cold and tumbled low; they come out basically ready to wear. If you hang-dry, they’re ready in short order.

Long-term durability will depend on use, but the construction feels sound for the price—better than many budget athletic shorts that prioritize weight over stitching quality.

Sizing Notes

In my usual Medium, the waist felt relaxed with the elastic and drawcord handling fine-tuning. If you sit between sizes and want a locked-in feel for running, consider sizing down; if you prioritize room in the thighs or prefer a looser fit for casual use, true to size should work. The 7-inch inseam hits a versatile length for most. If you prefer either more coverage or a shorter, sportier look, GGJ offers other inseam options; the overall cut and features remain consistent across lengths.

Style and Versatility

These are easy to wear beyond workouts. The matte fabric and clean lines make them viable with a polo or casual button-down for a coffee run or weekend errands. The Grey reads refined and hides sweat reasonably well. Branding is minimal, so they don’t clash with non-athletic tops. If you like a trim, non-cargo silhouette without going “short-short,” the 7-inch option strikes a nice balance.

What Could Be Better

• Phone bounce is reduced but not eliminated. For high-impact runs, you’ll still feel movement with a larger phone.
• Zipper pulls are functional but a touch hard; softer or covered pulls would feel nicer when reaching into the open pockets.
• No liner. That’s a pro for modular use, but if you want a built-in brief, you’ll need to wear your own or look elsewhere.

None of these are deal-breakers, and at this price, the trade-offs are understandable.

Value

For budget-friendly athletic shorts, these punch above their weight. You get secure storage, a comfortable waistband, quick-dry fabric, and a split hem that actually improves mobility. The combination of performance and everyday wearability is strong. More premium shorts may offer softer stretch blends or integrated liners, but they often cost two to three times more.

Recommendation

I recommend the GGJ athletic shorts for anyone who wants a lightweight, quick-drying pair with genuinely useful zippered pockets and a comfortable, non-restrictive fit. They’re especially good as a do-most-things short: running, lifting, travel, and daily wear. If you need an integrated liner or absolutely zero phone bounce during hard runs, they’re not the perfect fit. Otherwise, the mix of comfort, mobility, and secure storage at an approachable price makes them an easy addition to a summer rotation.